Friday, April 29, 2011

Last night I was so excited to get a sneak peak of the HUGE new CB2 which is opening this weekend in Georgetown. After both potterybarn and west elm closed in the city, we really lost all locations for inexpensive, fun home items.

CB2 offers fun, colorful and modern home furnishings and accessories at a startingly low pricepoint (no, they didn't pay me to say that!). While I wouldn't advise filling an entire apartment or house with their products (overkill), a piece or two in a room really would liven up any space by adding color and good, clean design.I loved this green coffee table, the wheels really are so practical!The red metal shelf over the bed really caught my eye; not just for the pop of color but also for the unique shelf layout. I could see this in an office or even a bathroom, providing extra storage.These 3 Pablo side tables were my favorite piece of furniture in the store. The best part -the set is ONLY $129. SERIOUSLY. They look like amazing mid-century pieces to me!This 'Fold' desk was very elegant; I loved the yellow top and the lady bug rug was so fun; great for a kids room (especially at $199)!Speaking of rugs, they carry FLOR tiles in store! I had never actually seen them in person and was surprised by their quality.More than just furniture, their accessories are an easy and even less expensive way to add some color to your house. This buddha pillow would bring a smile to my face everyday for sure.

Yellow seems to be the really big color everyone is pushing. These yellow canary tealight holders were so cute. I could see them lining your kitchen table, much like they do this headboard.

Or use them to decorate your houseplants! A percentage of sales from this weekend (April 30-May 1) will go to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank; a great excuse to shop for a great cause!CB2 is located at 3307 M Street NW, across from Cadys alley.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

In honor of this spring weather (nearly summer!) we're having here in DC, I thought I'd share with you a photograph of one of my favorite paintings at the Smithsonian American Art Museum; Spring Dance by Arthur Mathews (1917). The painting is based in aestheticism; the custom frame being a part of the whole work of art by including designs and colors found within the painting. Mathews was a prominent Arts and Crafts designer and artist practicing in San Francisco who depicted his native California. Enjoy your spring dance!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

As a break from the historic mansions I regularly feature here, I thought I would bring you something a bit different. My parents now live in a very rural area of Pennsylvania, where to this day, the popularity of true log cabins still exists and are built regularly. Disclaimer, my parents do NOT live in a log cabin (thank god, I would probably visit much less often if they did). This log cabin is being built on their road and joins others in the area. I think it's so interesting to see it while under construction and the traditional techniques they use. Much like a lincoln log set (remember those?) the logs are notched near the corners and then stacked, building a basic box. The area between them historically would have been filled with a mixture of clay and mud, but today they use efficient blueboard insulation which then will be stucco'd over between the logs, giving a more insulative barrier. The interior will then be lined with a waterproof sheet and then a shallow stud wall will be built that drywall can be fixed to and can house electrical outlets and the like. Not for everyone but it makes for a nice visit!Photos taken with my droid incredible while walking the dog over Easter weekend, thats why they aren't actually so incredible. Back to our regular and more stylish scheduled programing tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Don't forget that the Georgetown Housetour is this weekend, April 30th - from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Pre-order tickets on their website or at St. John's Church located at 3240 O Street. Hope to see you there!house pictured is not on the tour, but rather is one of my favorite houses in Georgetown.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Yes, I know this post may be better suited to Halloween than a post-Easter followup, but what can I say, I love old cemeteries! Nestled into the heart of the city of Pittsburgh is the historic 300 acre Allegheny Cemetery, originally started in 1845.

At first glance, the cemetery appears to be more of a park than a resting place for loved ones. In fact, even on the gloomy, rainy day I was there (I call it Pittsburgh weather) the grounds were filled with joggers, dog walkers and people enjoying the warm spring weather.

The park is a veritable architectural history lesson, featuring buildings and mausoleums in many different styles. The Butler street entrance, seen in the top photo, originally dates to 1870 with later additions, such as the odd Mansard roof.

This Neoclassical mausoleum seen above really caught my eye - so lovely! The verdigiris bronze doors really are show-stoppers. Unfortunately, the rear stained glass had been damaged and bricked over. However, if you peer through the glass in the door you can still see remnants.This Egyptian Revival mausoleum was interesting: I suspect the family buried there was very very stylish.

The numerous little Greek temples with Doric columns reminded me of a folly in an English Garden. While taking tea in a mausoleum might not sound so great (or be your 'cup of tea', har har) - there is very little difference between a European garden folly and these mausoleums!

A single person mausoleum: compare it to a studio in the city I suppose.

The interesting thing about the cemetary is that the sections are mixed. You'll find a tombstone from 1845 next to a mausoleum from 1915 next to a fresh grave. I find it so interesting to see how the styles changed. I thought these tombstones with the ogee scroll were very pretty. Is it morbid to choose your future tombstone: cemetery window shopping?

A cemetery this large has numerous entrances of course. This entry gate and pavilion along Penn Avenue was built in 1885, designed by Henry A. Macombs who had won a design competition for the structure. During construction, the design was modified so that the 135 foot tall bell tower would match the famous courthouse downtown by Henry Hobson Richardson.

Good design can be found in the most unexpected places!

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos: they were snapped with my phone!